Brenda Smart

December 20, 1976 - January 29, 2020

Brenda K. Smart, age 43 years, a resident of rural Goreville, passed away Wednesday evening, January 29, 2020, at 10:20 PM at St. Louis University Medical Center in St. Louis, Missouri. Brenda was born December 20, 1976 at the former Marion Memorial Hospital in Marion, Illinois. She was the daughter of Homer August Schuetz, Jr. and Barbara D. (Girtman) Schuetz. On July 7, 2001, Brenda was united in marriage to Eric Lynn Smart at the Goreville First United Methodist Church. Eric preceded her in death on September 16, 2016. Brenda is survived by: her daughter – Jayla K. Smart of Goreville; a brother – Brent A. (his wife, Keesha) Schuetz of Goreville; a sister-in-law – Lynn Schuetz of Marion; nieces and nephews – Noah, Beau, Jessica, Zane, Rhet, Brilee, and Cade; her father-in-law – Richard Smart of Pittsburg; as well as other relatives and many dear friends. In addition to her parents and her husband, Brenda was preceded in death by a brother – Brian Lee Schuetz and her mother-in-law – Debra Smart. Brenda was a 1995 graduate of Goreville High School. She earned a bachelors degree in elementary education from Southern Illinois University at Carbondale. Brenda taught at the Buncombe Grade School and later worked as a substitute school teacher. More recently, Brenda was employed for 10 years by Blue Cross/Blue Shield until March 2017 when declining health prevented her from continuing to work. Brenda was a member of the Busby Chapel Freewill Baptist Church. She enjoyed reading, drawing and watching movies. A service honoring the life of Brenda Smart will be held Sunday afternoon, February 2, 2020, at 2 PM at Busby Chapel Freewill Baptist Church, 7715 Illinois Route 37, Goreville, Illinois. Pastor Kenneth Blumenstock will officiate. Burial will be in the Busby Chapel Cemetery. Visitation will be held Sunday afternoon, February 2, 2020, from 12 Noon – 2 PM at Busby Chapel Church. Memorials may be made to the family to defray funeral expenses or for an educational fund for Brenda and Eric’s daughter, Jayla. Donations may be left in the care of Bailey Funeral Home, P.O. Box 695, Vienna, IL 62995.